Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of rotator cuff tears

Ten ACE Reports (all randomized controlled trials) were identified from the OrthoEvidence database assessing the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus control in the treatment of rotator cuff tears. Result are presented for Constant scores, University of California (UCLA) scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Sugaya classification, and the incidence of retear. Qualitative descriptions were provided for Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores and range of motion (ROM). The results indicated that PRP treatment provided favourable Constant scores and Simple Shoulder test at 12 months. Otherwise, the remaining poolable outcomes displayed similar results amongst treatment and control groups. Evaluations of ROM proposed a potential benefit of PRP in the short-term, although effects were primarily lost at longer follow-up (6-12 months). Tendon integrity and retear risk also did not appear to be improved with PRP. This review exhibited an inconsistency in the efficacy of PRP in treatment of rotator cuff pathology from trial to trial, warranting the need for further research with uniform outcome reporting.